READING:
One-year plan: 1 Samuel 18-20
Two-year plan: Psalms 35-36, Romans 7:1-13
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It is difficult, if not impossible, to explain the depth of relationships God gives His people. Ideally, we are raised in Christian homes, come to know Christ personally, and our parents and siblings become brothers and sisters in Christ as well. That way, our earthly family becomes our eternal family, too—and that’s as sweet as it gets.
At the same time, though, God gives us others whose friendships with us are divinely orchestrated and blessed. David and Jonathan experienced such a friendship. While the relationship may well have had a political component to it—and nothing about it suggests a homosexual attraction—the text is clear that their connection was deep: “Jonathan was bound to David in close friendship, and loved him as much as he loved himself” (1 Sam 18:1, CSB)
More literally, their souls were “chained together,” and Jonathan honored David by giving him his armor and his clothing—likely signifying his recognition that David would be the next in line to the throne. They were committed to God first and then to each other, as evidenced in the covenant they established together. The two became brothers in a way that went far beyond natural brothers who shared a family of origin.
Today, I’m grateful for these kinds of brothers in my life. My natural brother, Allen, is also my Christian brother, and God has given me other brothers for whom I would give my life. Only He knits souls together that way.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Are you knit with any other believers?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, grant me that kind of friendship.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: 1 Samuel 21-25
Two-year plan: Psalms 37, Romans 7:14-25
MEMORIZATION VERSE (April 1-15):
“Be strong, and let your heart be courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord.” (Psa 31:24)
*first published in 2018